Rigatoni Sauce
Rich and hearty rigatoni sauce with sweet basil, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, featuring a savory tomato base infused with onions and garlic.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chopped onions in olive oil.
- Add chopped garlic, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water to the onions and garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 30 minutes, stirring often.
- Add white sugar, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sweet basil.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 1.5 hours, stirring often until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar slightly, or use a pinch of grated carrot for a natural sweetness. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor profile, and dried herbs can be substituted if fresh isn't available. Feel free to adjust the garlic to your preference for more or less intensity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rigatoni sauce over your favorite pasta, such as rigatoni or spaghetti. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, like a 'Sour' Salad Dressing (Italian)(Zachary'S Favorite Salad Dressing). You can also use it as a base for dishes like Pizza And Calzone Crust or to top Italian Sausage Empanadas for a delicious twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rigatoni sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, transfer cooled sauce to freezer-safe bags or containers, where it can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently bring the sauce to a simmer on the stove, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also add a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rigatoni Sauce contains roughly 997 calories, with 12g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2655mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned. Use about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Cook them down until they break apart and release their juices. You may need to adjust cooking time as fresh tomatoes have more water content than canned products.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian or vegan?
This rigatoni sauce is already vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring your sugar is vegan-friendly. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to enhance the dish's texture and flavor without any animal products.
What can I do if the sauce is too acidic?
If your sauce is too acidic, add a teaspoon of baking soda to neutralize the acidity. Alternatively, you can add more sugar to balance the flavors. Cooking it longer can also help mellow out the acidity by allowing the flavors to meld more thoroughly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).